Driver airlifted to safety after car becomes trapped in rising waters

A driver had to be rescued after getting stuck in a ford as water rose rapidly around their car.Emergency services were called to Westgate Ford in Weardale in County Durham on Wednesday 26 October.Crews from Consett, Middleton-in-Teesdale and Bishop Auckland attended and firefighters managed to get on top of the car and pulled the person to safety with a harness.

No one was injured in the incident.

A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: "We would like to take this opportunity to remind people that this time of year presents several driving related issues, one of which is the suitability of routes that use fords when water levels could be higher or more powerful than normal.

"Please consider alternative routes if your usual journey would involve a ford during the winter months."

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